If they are so inclined, Springfield aldermen can spend their New Year’s weekend studying the budget books which popped out Friday.

The city staff’s proposal is for a $215 million corporate fund, including $32 million from the city’s savings. Ald. Jim Donelan will chair budget hearings on Jan. 10, 11, 18, and 23 and calls the budget strong on public safety and public works.

“We projected a very conservative two percent increase” in the corporate fund Donelan told WTAX News Friday afternoon. “We tend to spend more time on where we are going to invest the money in people and projects throughout the year. I know staff has put together a very conservative growth on the revenue side.”

More firefighters are needed because the city is increasing the number of fire stations by one. Also, aldermen are weary of being asked to approve overtime to meet the union-contracted minimum manning requirement. 49 firefighters must be on duty at any given time.

The fiscal year begins March 1.